Brakes

BRITTANYNN85

MEMBER
1988 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
62 MILES

For months now we have had to fill up the brake fluid about once a week or the brakes would stop working. Now, just as of yesterday, the brake fluid has been leaking enough that you could see it on the ground then today as we pumped the brakes after filling up the fluid the fluid was spraying out. We cannot see where it is coming from directly, it's mainly on the frame by the left rear tire. The brakes are not working AT ALL. Not even a little bit now and NO fluid is staying in. We don't have much money and do all the car work ourselves, where should we start first? What should we look for and how, to know what direction and what part to buy. Whether it be a steel line, a hose, or wheel cylinder. Or could it be something else? Please help.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

A wheel cylinder will leak down the back side of the backing plate and onto the sidewall of the tire. A line should be more obvious if you crawl underneath and watch while a helper pumps the pedal. If a line is leaking AND the bleeder screw is rusted tight, I have a hint that might help you bleed that line.

Also, be aware that very often the master cylinder will be damaged when you press the brake pedal all the way to the floor. The lip seals run over the crud and corrosion that builds up in the lower halves of the bores where they don't normally travel. That crud causes them to rip and leak internally, so be prepared for that expense too.

Caradiodoc